On a night of intense excitement in the NHL, the Seattle Kraken staged a spectacular comeback, culminating in a historic goal by Brandon Montour just four seconds into overtime, sealing a thrilling 5-4 victory over the Montreal Canadiens.
The game-defining play, a combination of cunning and speed, saw Chandler Stephenson win the face-off and set up Montour, who capitalized on Canadiens’ defensive lapse to score on a breakaway. Montour’s lightning-fast goal equaled the NHL record for the fastest goal to start any period, a testament to the team’s precise execution and determination.
The victory was not only highlighted by the record-tying goal but also by the Kraken’s resilience in overcoming a two-goal deficit. The team, led by Montour’s four-point performance (two goals and two assists), showcased a potent offense and an unwavering fighting spirit.
Bylsma praises Kraken’s mindset and execution
Head coach Dan Bylsma praised the overtime goal, highlighting Stephenson’s quick thinking and Montour’s flawless execution. “I thought the overtime goal was brilliant,” Bylsma said, per NHL.com. “They set up three across, and Chandler took the opportunity to go forward and spring ‘Monty’ for the game-winner.”
Bylsma also emphasized the team’s mindset heading into the third period, expressing confidence that they had what it took to mount a comeback. “It was a really good first period, and they get the power-play goal, and they get the 4-on-4 goal—kind of special parts of the game—and then get up in the game,” Bylsma said. “And I think going into the third, our mindset was, we thought there was enough there for us to come back in the game.”
Kraken’s ability to handle pressure
The Kraken’s ability to execute in key moments was evident in Matty Beniers’ game-tying goal and Montour’s overtime winner. The precision in the face-off and the quick transition to offense were decisive factors in the victory.
The win not only boosted the NHL team’s morale but also demonstrated their ability to compete and triumph in high-pressure situations in the NHL.
